Today is the feast of St. Michael, who is regarded in some traditions as "the captain of the archangels"
It's regrettable that archangels are rarely a feature in contemporary Anglican spiritual thought, but many in our communion find them to be too militant. Of course, a few too many in our communion render their faith in bland and timorous expression, so the very notion of archangels would be a theological challenge.
But, since challenge is the most powerful feature of the Christian life, a contemporary appraisal or archangels can't help but be fruitful.
Archangels are found in the sacred literature of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. They are generally charged with service as messengers [the archangel Gabriel informs the Blessed Virgin Mary of her pregnancy and commands Mohammad to recite the Koran] and were key to the defeat of evil in the battle that separated Heaven and Hell.
Michael is considered the "field commander" of the Army of God. He is mentioned by name in the Books of Daniel, Jude, and Revelation. In Daniel, Michael appears as "one of the chief princes" who, in Daniel's vision, comes to the archangel Gabriel's aid in his contest with the angel of Persia. Michael is also described as the "great prince who stands up for the children of [Daniel's] people".
Much of the historical understanding of Michael was brought to Christianity through the Book of Enoch. In late medieval Christianity, Michael, together with Saint George, became the patron saint of chivalry. St Michael is also considered in many Christian circles as the patron saint of police officers and soldiers, particularly paratroopers and fighter pilots. He is also a patron of Germany and the city of Brussels.
While we are to strive for peace, there is a pugilistic metaphor present in Christianity ["Fight the good fight" from the familiar hymn or the "mental fight" found in William Blake's
Jerusalem, a poem filled with militant imagery, plus too many scripture references to list in this brief posting] that we cannot pretend is absent. Also, given that some Christians outside of the US do fight for common rights within their societies, with some literally fighting in order not to be slaughtered by their government or renegade elements within their countries, one cannot fail to note that, again from a familiar hymn, "the peace of God, it is no peace." While we are fortunate in our nation to have such freedom of religious expression that we may even permit ourselves complacency, the Feast of St. Michael is a prayerful opportunity to recognize that such a civil right is rare and that Christians in other lands do struggle, sometimes merely for the right to own and keep a Bible in their homes.
Everlasting God, you have ordained and constituted in a wonderful order the ministries of angels and mortals: Mercifully grant that, as your holy angels always serve and worship you in heaven, so by your appointment they may help and defend us here on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
